Newminster Superior Navy Flake: A Pleasant Surprise

[shawn622]

P&C was running a special on Newminster products. 15% off. I decided that I had nothing to lose and ordered a half pound of the Superior Navy Flake. At less than 20 bucks shipped I really couldn't go wrong. It arrived in 3 days like all my P&C orders and I was excited to try my new tobacco. I'm not the best reviewer, but I'm going to give it a shot.
Looking through the bag I see 1"x3" flakes. The smell is very sweet. It almost smells like it has been cased with something however after smoking it I'd have to say it is just a pretty straight forward Virginia. Maybe a hint of honey or something.
The char light was really sweet. Much sweeter than most Virginia flake I have smoked which is great because that is exactly what I have been looking for. The true light carried on with the sweetness only more rich and creamy. It smokes a little on the hot side, but it wasn't trying to bite me or anything. I just sipped it and enjoyed the surprisingly sweet smoke thinking to myself that this could be a great all day smoke for someone who enjoys Virginia flake.
The body of the bowl continued to serve up that rich, creamy sweetness all the way through to the end. This is no FVF, but it is less than 40 bucks a pound. It is just a good, all day Virginia flake. It is similar to MacBaren Navy Flake. I'd actually say it is a little better. I was pleasantly surprised with this tobacco. If you want an all day Virginia flake, and are on a budget, Newminster Superior Navy Flake is worth giving a shot.

 

[mlyvers]

hey shawn622, i did not care for that navy flake. it reminds me of macbarens navy flake, which i do not care for. i prefer PS LNF. i do understand that folks are going too like superior navy flake. it is a very good quality tobac. iam glad your are liking superior navy flake. that is a great price as well.
take care.

mike.

 

[wayneteipen]

Shawn622, your thoughts on Newminster Superior Navy Flake mirror my own. I picked a pound up last year after sampling it at the Chicago show. I picked up on a honey flavor right away too which I liked. It's smooth, creamy, and sweet which is right up my alley. I actually like it better than PS Luxury Navy Flake and I like it a lot too. Nice review.

 

[gecko13]

Shawn I also agree with your assessment. Its not premium VF, its not FVF, but it's a pleasant VF for everyday. I added several pounds to my cellar, and enjoy it through out the week. It does burn hot, and must be sipped, but the result is a very pleasant sweet flavor like butter and honey on wheat toast. I can't wait to try it after it simmers a couple years in the cellar. But I'm banking on this one and will have about 10+ pounds in storage.

 

[shawn622]

But I'm banking on this one and will have about 10+ pounds in storage.

Wow That's a lot of tobacco. Wish I could afford ta cellar like that

 

[shawn622]

Rothnh, one of the first tobaccos I ever bought was #403 and I liked it. I like MacBaren Dark Twist Roll Cake as well.

 

[newbroom]

This is a resurrection.

I just got some of the above mentioned flakes from P&C. I'd read all the comments on this thread before I ordered it, and I think the OP was just about spot on with his review.

I've tried several flaked blends by now, and none has the aroma in the pouch that this has. It is unique in a pleasantly organically mild sweetness that translates to the bowl.

I cube cut my first bowl and I'm just now about 1/2 way through it. It required a char, but since then it's burning nice and evenly with gentle tugs and the flavor is really nice slightly sweet Va.

Oops. Gotta relight. I'm using a meer lined bulldog that has a very nice open draw. I guess I was maybe too gentle?

Anyway, I was out of flakes except for a few tins I am aging and needed to put something on the shelf in the flaked genre. I'm glad I picked this one, because the price is nice and the tobacco is mildly mellow, creamy and dreamy, slightly sweet with no chemical tastes or distractions from a wonderful tobacco taste.

I'll buy it again before I run out! (IF it's still available at the reasonable price point currently offered.)

I think you can get more bang for your buck by buying 1 1/2 lb pkgs of PS LNF, but this taste is worth the slight premium.

I am still puffing on that first bowl, and report no bite or gurgle. One relight after the ember light and I'm good to go right out of the box I just opened. If you enjoy VA, this is worth checking out, imho.

 

[drrock]

Nice review - thanks!

I received some Newminster Superior Navy Flake as a gift and liked it enough to order a half pound at what I felt was a terrific price for the quality of the tobacco. Enjoyable on its own but I've also used it as a blender with good results. Adds a bit of Virginia richness/sweetness to other blends.

Definitely worth a try.

 

[settersbrace]

This flake has been on my radar to try. The flakes are gorgeous and smell terrific. Thanks for a fine review and I'm going to try some tomorrow.

 

[zekest]

The ziploc baggie small is divine.
I want to put the flakes in a bowl and pour milk over them for breakfast.

 

[settersbrace]

So I'm on my second bowl so far today. First one in a Jörn volcano blast (conical drill, perfect for flakes) and the second bowl in an mm legend cob. Moisture content out of the bulk jar is perfect, the flakes are beautiful, uniform and I agree that they look good enough to eat and smell great too. This is a straight up Virginia, no frills, no casings and is amazingly rich and sweet at times with the ability to leave me salivating for the next puff. I simply cut a flake in half, folded and stuffed in my usual manner and put a light to it. It's one of the easier, less fussy flakes to smoke, along the lines of OGS or Dunhill Flake but there the similarities end. This flake is richer, creamy and sometimes bold an a bit bitey if you push it too hard. There's a Nirvana like state I've found with this flake that is realized when you get to that point where the ember is just barely going. The nutty, fresh hay notes common to finer Virginias stand out and it's pure pleasure.

I'm very impressed with this Villager product and it's price point allows for pounds of it to be squirreled away for future enjoyment. I'd also add that it's a very good choice for anyone wanting to experience Virginias and more specifically, flake tobacco. Now I'm thinking that I must try the #403 round slices by Newminster!

 

[jamesrsmithjr]

Excellent tobacco. This has been my all day smoke for a couple of years (I work from home, hardly ever without a cob smouldering).
P&Cs 5lb price is 29 per.
No reason to not enjoy now and save some for later.

 

[newbroom]

I appreciate the compliments on my "review". I'm also glad to have sparked the conversation.

Now I'm thinking that I must try the #403 round slices by Newminster!

Enjoyable on its own but I've also used it as a blender with good results.

Interestingly enough, it was the 403 I started with with Newminster's blends, and it's a deeper tasting, more dark fired KY with some VA which must have been twisted, steamed, and then sliced. It's got more Vit N and it does mix with the Superior Navy Flake like a champ!